[Balloon dilatation of postoperative esophageal stenoses in children]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Esophageal strictures are a known complication following surgical repair of esophageal atresia.
• Traditional management often involves repeated dilatations, sometimes requiring anesthesia.
• Minimally invasive techniques are sought to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatation for treating post-operative esophageal strictures in infants.
• To assess the feasibility of performing these dilatations as an outpatient procedure without sedation or anesthesia.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of seven pediatric patients (under one year of age) treated between 1987-1992.
• Patients underwent a total of 47 fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatations for esophageal strictures post-esophageal atresia repair.
• Procedures were performed without the use of sedation or general anesthesia.

Main Results:

• Six out of seven patients (85.7%) achieved successful treatment of their esophageal strictures.
• A total of 47 dilatation sessions were performed.
• Minor complications included one episode of transient cyanosis with respiratory arrest and two intramural tears, none requiring surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

• Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatation is a safe and effective treatment modality for esophageal strictures in infants following esophageal atresia repair.
• The procedure can be successfully performed in an outpatient setting without the need for sedation or anesthesia.
• This technique offers a minimally invasive option with a high success rate and a low incidence of serious complications.